Source: 'RuPaul's Drag Race,' VH1

Frayed or Fab? 'RuPaul's Drag Race' Fashion Recap, Episode 9

Matthew Wexler READ TIME: 3 MIN.

The season favorite Snatch Game delivered highs and lows on this week's episode of "RuPaul's Drag Race." Gottmik proved that influencers like Paris Hilton are fabulous fodder, while Utica's squirrel-headed interpretation of PBS watercolorist Rob Ross struggled to paint a clear picture.

For the mainstage runway, Ru challenged the queens to don their favorite "Fascinating Fascinators." Here's a breakdown of who stayed heads above the competition.

Olivia Lux went mad for science this week in a full-length patent leather lab coat, thigh-high boots, liquid mercury fascinator, and exaggerated rubber gloves. The judges were impressed, but we thought it was an experiment gone awry. Verdict: FRAYED

Rosé lived up to her name in a pedal-perfect, one-shoulder rose-inspired gown with a matching rose fascinator. Rosé, who took top honors last week and landed in the top three this week thanks to her modern spin on Mary Queen of Scots, is coming into full bloom. Verdict: FAB

"Oh, I didn't 'ant'icipate this look," quipped Carson Kressley, as Utica vamped down the runway in a picnic-inspired ensemble with a buzzy picnic basket on her head, ants made from buttons crawling up her lanky legs, and an asymmetrical puffy sleeve. Though Utica tanked in Snatch Game, she was all the buzz on the runway. Verdict: FAB

This week, Symone used the runway for activism, majestically walking the runway in a sculptural white gown. When she turned upstage, the back of her garment revealed two gunshot wounds, with the back of her fascinator reading, 'Say Their Names.' "It is not a moment; it is a movement," said Symone. "We need to continue to say their names." In collaboration with the House of Avalon and director Gilbert Trejo, Symone created a short film to honor their names and advocate for change. Verdict: FAB

Breonna Taylor
George Floyd
Brayla Stone
Trayvon Martin
Tony McDade
Nina Pope
Monika Diamond


Gottmik, back with her signature kabuki face paint, walked the runway with an oversized safety pin bisecting her head, finished with a Swarovski-studded droplet of blood and patchwork punk mini. Verdict: FAB


Denali skated her way down the runway, serving "vintage diner girl realness," but the ensemble looked more cute than couture – we want filet mignon, not ground beef, dahling! Verdict: FRAYED


Eliott with Two Ts sported an asymmetrical one-legged pink pantsuit with a Philip Treacy-inspired feather fascinator, self-described as a "full flamingo fantasy." Unfortunately, the dream is over for Eliott, but we're sending her off with a FAB.


Tina Burner wasn't horsing around this week with her equestrian-inspired two-piece ensemble with long-necked horse atop her head, roses adorning her neck, blue-ribbon purse and stiletto-heeled riding boots. Burner's usual camp didn't take first place with us. Verdict: FRAYED

At first glance, Kandy Muse's heavily ruffled herringbone made an impact, or so she thought, saying, "I'm walking down the runway like I'm in a f*cking fashion show in Paris." But her skimpy fascinator, which spelled "Muse" in wispy feathers, lacked drama. Verdict: FRAYED


by Matthew Wexler

Matthew Wexler is EDGE's Senior Editor, Features & Branded Content. More of his writing can be found at www.wexlerwrites.com. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram at @wexlerwrites.

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